Vibrant Guava Jelly Spread (Printable Version)

Bright guava preserve perfect for spreading, filling, or glazing, made with ripe guavas and natural sweetness.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 3.3 pounds ripe guavas, quartered with skins and seeds intact
02 - 4 cups water

→ Sweetener & Gelling

03 - 4 cups granulated sugar
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

# How to Make It:

01 - Wash guavas thoroughly under running water. Cut into quarters, retaining skins and seeds.
02 - Place guava quarters in a large saucepan, add 4 cups water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
03 - Reduce heat and maintain a gentle simmer for 30 minutes until fruit becomes very soft and begins to break down.
04 - Line a large strainer with double-layered cheesecloth and position over a bowl. Carefully pour cooked fruit and liquid through the strainer. Allow to drip undisturbed for at least 2 hours or overnight without pressing the fruit to maintain clarity.
05 - Measure extracted juice and transfer to a clean saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add sugar using a 1:1 ratio of sugar to juice by volume.
06 - Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat while stirring continuously to fully dissolve sugar crystals.
07 - Boil rapidly for 15-20 minutes until the mixture reaches 220°F on a candy thermometer. Skim away any foam that rises to the surface.
08 - Place a small spoonful of jelly on a cold plate. Push with your finger; if the surface wrinkles, the gel stage is achieved.
09 - Pour hot jelly into sterilized jars leaving 1/4-inch headspace from the rim. Seal jars immediately with sterilized lids.
10 - Allow jars to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to a cool, dark storage location.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Simple ingredients that let the natural guava flavor shine through
  • Versatile condiment that works for breakfast, snacks, or desserts
  • Stunning ruby color that brightens any table
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free
  • Makes excellent homemade gifts in decorative jars
02 -
  • Use slightly underripe guavas for their higher natural pectin content, which helps the jelly set properly
  • For extra clarity, avoid pressing the fruit while straining
  • The wrinkle test on a cold plate is the most reliable way to check if your jelly is ready to set
  • Sterilize your jars properly by boiling them for 10 minutes before filling
  • Store opened jars in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks
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